BH Number Plate in Nagaland: Eligibility & How to Apply

Moving in or out of Nagaland with a car can be a tedious affair, and you may need to get fresh registration, extra paperwork, and huge advance payments of road tax every time you change states. This is a major worry among the defence personnel, government officials, corporate people and others whose occupation involves repeated transfers.

In a move to ease the burden, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced the BH (Bharat) Series number plate in 2021. This registration system allows vehicles to be registered nationally, with road tax paid in convenient two-year instalments. It removes the need for re-registration when shifting to a new state, making vehicle ownership more straightforward and less time-consuming.

Applying for a BH series registration in Nagaland is a simple online procedure that can be completed from home. Follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Access the Parivahan Portal: Visit the official portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
• Step 2: Select Services: Click on ‘Online Services’, then choose ‘Vehicle Related Services’ and set your state as ‘Nagaland’.
• Step 3: Log In and Choose Application: Log in to the portal and select either the new vehicle registration form or the vehicle ownership transfer form, depending on your requirement.
• Step 4: Fill in Details and Upload Documents: Enter the necessary information and upload the required documents, including proof of identity, proof of address, and relevant vehicle papers.
• Step 5: Make Payment: Pay the applicable road tax and registration charges through the portal. Once your application is processed, you will receive an SMS or email confirming your BH series registration.

After completing the above steps, visit your nearest RTO in Nagaland to have the BH number plate fixed to your vehicle.

If you prefer guided assistance, you can apply for a BH series number plate in Nagaland through an authorised dealer. The process is as follows:

• Step 1: Visit an Authorised Dealer: Approach your vehicle dealer to begin the BH registration process.
• Step 2: Submission of Form: The dealer will complete and submit Form 20 on the VAHAN portal on your behalf.
• Step 3: Provide Necessary Documents: Hand over the required documents and details to the dealer for further processing.
• Step 4: Verification and Approval: Once the authorities review and approve the application, your BH series registration number will be issued.

This offline option is particularly useful for applicants in Nagaland who prefer in-person guidance with the registration formalities.

When applying for a BH series number plate in Nagaland, you will need to present certain documents to confirm your eligibility and to show that your vehicle meets the required regulations. These include:

• Proof of Eligibility: An official letter from your employer certifying your eligibility for the BH series.
• Identity and Address Proof: Valid government-issued documents such as an Aadhaar card, passport, or driving licence to establish identity and residence.
• Vehicle Documents: The original registration certificate (RC), insurance policy, valid pollution under control (PUC) certificate, and the vehicle invoice for road tax calculation.
• Form 20: The prescribed application form for vehicle registration.
• Form 60: A working certificate providing details of your employment.

The BH number plate is reserved exclusively for personal, non-transport vehicles like passenger cars and two-wheelers. Commercial vehicles such as buses, taxis, and trucks are not eligible for BH Series registration, ensuring it remains limited to private use only.

The BH series number plate was introduced to facilitate the movement of vehicles across states for individuals with transferable jobs. Its eligibility norms are clearly laid out and apply to employees in both government organisations and the private sector.

Eligible categories are as follows:

• Central and State Government employees posted in Nagaland or transferable across India.
• Defence personnel and employees of paramilitary forces.
• Employees of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) with offices in Nagaland or transferable jobs.
• Private sector employees whose companies/organisations have offices in at least four or more states/UTs.

The BH series has been introduced to make interstate vehicle movement easier, with owners required to pay road tax in instalments. Payments are made every two years during the initial period and then annually once the vehicle crosses 14 years of registration.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Portal: Access the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Parivahan Sewa) to begin the renewal process.
• Step 2: Log In and Select Services: Click on ‘Pay Your Tax’ under the Online Services tab and select Nagaland as your state.
• Step 3: Provide Vehicle Details: Enter the last five digits of your chassis number together with your registration number. The system will then retrieve your vehicle details and show the road tax due.
• Step 4: Complete the Payment: Choose the payment duration, either two years or in multiples such as four or six years, and finalise the payment through the available online methods.
• Step 5: Confirmation and Record Update: Once your payment is confirmed, the portal will update the tax status of your vehicle and display the new due date. A payment receipt can also be downloaded for your records.

Holding a BH series number plate in Nagaland does not alter your duties as a vehicle owner under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Just like any other vehicle, you are required to maintain a valid motor insurance policy. The BH series itself has no impact on your insurance premium.

Premiums are determined by factors such as the make and model of the vehicle, its age, and the place of registration. This ensures that vehicle owners in Nagaland can take advantage of the convenience of a BH number plate without facing additional insurance charges.

The BH number plate system provides significant advantages for those who often move between states, allowing vehicles to travel freely without the need for repeated registration. In Nagaland, both the application and renewal processes for the BH series are user-friendly, and with the correct paperwork, vehicle owners can make full use of this streamlined registration method.